Guria

Like Adjara, this region was part of the ancient Kingdom of Colchis (Kolkheti). It was invaded by the Ottoman Turks in the 15th century but their presence in Guria was sporadic and Gurians were more able to resist their influence; the Turks remained in Adjara for over 300 years.

In the Middle Ages Guria was controlled by powerful feudal landowners whose domains were worked by tithed peasants. The lords often battled with their counterparts in Samegrelo and Imereti. Legend has it that the Gurians were very skilled at training hunting dogs for the noblemen’s pleasure.